The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is this weekend. I’m looking forward to it! Kevin usually maps out a plan of attack before the festival. So that everyone else can do the same, you can download a PDF of a map and attending wineries. Even if you don’t stick to your plan of attack, at least you’ll have a vague idea of where that special winery is located so that you don’t miss it, whatever it might be.

Even though I’ve probably said it a lot, it bears repeating. Try to get to the Saturday afternoon tasting for more elbow room and a more relaxing time. The evening tastings – especially the Saturday evening tasting – are always incredibly crowded and you fight to get to a tasting table.

Other tips? Wear dark colors. Even if you don’t spill that Cabernet, someone else might spill it on you. Drink a lot of water. They usually provide it at the festival, but I tend to have a bottle with me. Kevin is actually bringing a throw-away plastic cup to use as a true spit cup this year. I tend to just pour out what I don’t like, but he’s being traditional and spitting. Wear comfortable shoes. It’s a big festival and you don’t ever get the chance to sit down.

We’re having dinner with Mark from Uncorked after the festival. It’s always a good time when bloggers get together. On Sunday, we’ll have write-ups of our impressions of the festival, as well as a review of a new restaurant downtown. We’re looking forward to reading your festival impressions in the comments, and we hope to see you there. If you see us, please say hello!